Wine Fest

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

By Matthew Irwin

Jackson Hole, Wyo.-It may be an obvious sales pitch and an unoriginal lede, but I can’t argue with the fact that, in support of a good cause, The Jackson Hole Rotary Wine Fest offers a hell a night out for only $30 to $35.

The festival lasts just three hours, however, so to get all the wine and food that comes with your ticket, either arrive early or don’t get to talking too much with the wine reps about the difference between meritage and Bordeaux . . . or whatever you might ask them.

“If you’re not a courageous taster, it’s a good way to taste wine,” said Terri Marino, a Rotary Lunch Club member who is organizing the event. “All of the reps are totally down to earth, and it’s designed to not be intimidating.”

The good cause is a scholarship fund for students and teachers. Last year, Wine Fest gathered $60,000, which the Lunch Club awarded earlier this spring to more than 25 Jackson residents based on academic performance, promise and need. Among the awards, the Rotary Lunch Club provided funds for St. John’s Hospital to send at least one area resident through the two-year nursing program at Central Wyoming College.

Here’s how it works: pick up your tickets at any area liquor store to save $5 off the door price. When you arrive at Snow King, you’ll receive a glass, embossed with the Wine Fest logo. You may want to have a look at the silent auction items for a hopeful, early low-bid, but that wine glass is not going to fill itself, so we’ll get back to the auction lots later – positioned in the middle of the room, after all, they are within reach between tastes.

Now, you have more than 300 wines to taste, and everyone will insist you visit their favorite tables. Don’t bounce around too much, otherwise, you’ll miss some surprises. Most people who have gone to a Wine Fest will tell you they were delighted to find tasty wines priced on the lower end.
On the other hand, if like Marino, you know champagnes and sparkling wines are your favorite, you might start with them, but then return immediately to a corner and work your way around the room.

People tend to gather in the middle between tastes, talking about their tasting experience, yes, but also about travel plans and how happy they are summer is finally here. In fact, many Jackson residents consider the Wine Fest an annual reunion, seeing as everyone stays active and out-of-sight during the summer and winter, and out-of-town during the off-seasons.

So, final and most advisable strategy to getting the most out of Wine Fest is to arrive somewhat promptly, accept a pour of the closest bottle and then casually make your way to the center for tips on hot bottles, to talk to friends who have been out of touch and to soak up some of the booze with food donated by local restaurants. (The wine has also been donated, by area liquor representatives.)
And of course, visit the auction lots. They include cases of wine, theater and event tickets, hotel stays, spa treatments, activity certificates and artworks by Amy Ringholz and Matt Montagne.

“There’s something for everyone [over 21],” Marino said. PJH

The JH Rotary Wine Fest is 5 to 8 p.m., Friday, at Snow King Center. Potential volunteers can contact Terry Marino, terri@tetonhabitat.org. Tickets are $30 at area liquor stores, $35 at the gate.

FILE PHOTO


PERMALINK:
Wine Fest | Planet JH News Article: General Music Arts and Culture

Leave a Comment